Heather Rivers

Regulation 7.1.2.1: The FCCP shall have successfully completed pediatric first aid and CPR prior to being licensed and must remain currently certified.

“Upon review of Staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and on-site staff files it was identified that Staff A does not have a current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR. The Provider confirmed that Staff A is left alone with children at times. Corrective Action: Immediately, and prior to being left alone with children, ensure that Staff A obtains certification in pediatric first aid and CPR. Develop a system to ensure that certifications are obtained prior to expiration moving forward. In the corrective action email, provide evidence of Staff A's current certification adn details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 18, 2026

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials shall be inaccessible to children.

“In the kitchen clorox wipes and lysol spray were observed on the counter within children's reach. In addition, in the bathroom, diaper cream and children's sunscreens were observed accessible to children. This is a repeat violation. Corrective Action: Immediately make all poisonous or toxic materials inaccessible to children. Develop a system to regularly check that all such materials are inaccessible to children moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of how you have come back into compliance with this rule and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 11, 2026

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff, with the exception of substitutes, shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations.

“Upon review of Staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and on-site staff files it was identified that the Provier completed only six (6) of the required fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development activities between 03/2024 and 03/2025. In Addition, Staff A completed zero (0) of the require four (4) hours of professional development between 10/2024 and 10/2025. Corrective Action: Prior to 03/29/2026 ensure that you complete nine (9) hours of professional development activities in addition to the requierd fifteen (15) annual hours that will be due to be complete at that time. By 10/01/2026, ensure that Staff A completes a total of eight (8) hours of professional development activities. In the corrective action email provide an outline of how you and Staff A will acheive this, to include the names of classes and intended completion dates. Upon completion of each, provide the completion certificate to this Licensor via email.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 18, 2026

Regulation 3.3.7.3: Within six (6) months of initial date of employment, the FCCP and all staff shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to NLCDC to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“Upon review of Staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts it was identified that Staff A did not have accurate reflection of qualification documents nor professional development activities. Staff A has been employed for more than one (1) year. This was discussed with the Provider on 02/07/2025. Corrective Action: By 02/13/2026 submit all qualification and professional development documentation to Northern Lights at CCV for processing. Develop a system to ensure that all such documentation is submitted within six (6) months of staff member's dates of employment, and regularly thereafter, moving forward. In the corrective action email provide details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 18, 2026

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials shall be inaccessible to children.

“Several lotions, shampoos, a body mist, arm and hammer powder, and three (3) prescription medications were observed in an unlocked cupboard in the bathroom. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 02/07/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all poisonous or toxic materials are inaccessible to children. Develop a system to ensure that all such materials be maintained in a manner that is inaccessible to children moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of how you have come back into compliance with this rule and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 26, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.1.3: The FCCP shall ensure that furniture and equipment are sturdy. Furniture and equipment that present a tipping or falling hazard shall be secured.

“A large metal shelf containing children's toys and materials and a play kitchen were observed to present tipping hazards. This is a repeat violation, previously cited on 03/12/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that the identified furniture is secured or otherwise made inaccessible to children moving forward. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that the identified furniture no longer presents tipping hazards.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.1.2: The FCCP shall ensure that children are protected from choking hazards presented by cords on window coverings, electric or electronic appliances or equipment and telephone cords.

“Several loose electrical cords were observed to be accessible to children in the living room. Two (2) cords were observed next to a small slide for the children, one (1) cord was observed to the right of the couch, and multiple cords were observed next to a pack and play. In addition, two (2) cords were observed beneath a desk in the dining room. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 02/07/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all loose electrical cords are secured or otherwise made inaccessible to children. Develop a system to regularly check for loose cords that are accessible to children. In the corrective action email include photo evidence that the identified cords have been addressed and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2025

Regulation 5.10.3.1.6: The outdoor play area shall be free of dumpsters, uncovered trash cans, highly flammable materials, standing pools of water and other hazards. The FCCP shall inspect the outdoor play area before children begin to play to make sure there are no hazards present such as, but not limited to, animal feces, litter, adult tools, or other items that might injure a child.

“Several trash items/hazards were observed in the outdoor play area including broken plasitc silverware, food wrappers, broken plastic containers, a long rope draped over a fence, a broken pool noodle, and ripped plastic bags. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 03/12/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all trash items and hazards are removed from the outdoor play area. Develop a system to regularly check the play area for hazards prior to children entering moving forward. In the corrective action email include photo evidence that the trash and hazards have been removed from the play area and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 26, 2025

Regulation 5.10.3.1.6: The outdoor play area shall be free of dumpsters, uncovered trash cans, highly flammable materials, standing pools of water and other hazards. The FCCP shall inspect the outdoor play area before children begin to play to make sure there are no hazards present such as, but not limited to, animal feces, litter, adult tools, or other items that might injure a child.

“In the walking path to reach the outdoor play area there were several hazards observed including a container of motor-oil, a set of branch cutters, an axe, a cooler containing trash, old wire fencing, and animal feces. Inside the fenced outdoor play area several hazards were observed including two (2) lawn mowers, several broken plastic food containers on the ground, empty food and drink containers, multiple broken plastic wading pools, broken plastic toys, and other unidentified trash items. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all hazards are removed from the outdoor play area including the path in which children walk to reach the fenced area. The Provider communicated with Licensor [name] via email to identify an attainable date to complete clean-up of the outdoor area. By 03/31/2025 provide photo evidence that the hazards identified in the outdoor area have been removed or otherwise made inaccessible to children moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 31, 2025

Regulation 6.1.4.4.5: Screen time shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes daily per child or group of children except for school age children using technology to complete homework assignments, and a once per month two (2) hour movie.

“A television was observed on in the living room where children were resting on nap cots. The provider reported that typically only the infants nap and that the television remains on throughout the entirety of nap time. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that screen time does not exceed thirty (30) minutes each day except for school age children using technology to complete homework assignments. Develop a system to ensure that the requirements of this rule are maintained moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward, including what activities will be provided to children who do not nap.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 18, 2025

Regulation 3.3.3: The FCCP shall establish a system for taking attendance, including documentation of the time when each child arrives and departs each day he/she attends the FCCH. The FCCP shall save all daily attendance records identifying the hours of children s attendance for at least twelve (12) months from the date that care is provided.

“Upon review of the Provider's attendance record it was observed that sign-out times had not been recorded on 03/10/2025 or 03/11/2025. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 02/07/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately develop a system to ensure that children's arrival and departure times are recorded in the moment each day. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence of attendance records following the 03/12/2025 visit to current, and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 18, 2025

Regulation 3.6.1.1: The FCCP shall develop and maintain a written Emergency Response Plan to respond to a full range of emergencies both natural and man-made. A complete plan shall include how the FCCP will address and manage the following situations and responsibilities: * Evacuations or other emergencies such as leaving the premises and lockdown situations; * Specific concerns related to the location of the program, such as proximity to a nuclear reactor, an area prone to flooding or power loss; * Notifying the local authorities of the emergency; * A system for notifying the parents of the emergency; * Notifying the local emergency planning committee regarding the location of the FCCH and using the committee as a resource in emergency planning for the program; * A system of identifying the children and staff present at the time of the emergency and maintaining knowledge of their whereabouts; * A system for handling infants, toddlers, and children with special needs; * An established evacuation meeting location within walking distance of the FCCH; * A system to account for all children and staff at evacuation meeting place; * An process for relocation if necessary including safe transportation; * A system for sheltering in place if the FCCP and children present need to remain in the FCCH for an extended period; and * Staff chain of command and individual staff roles and responsibilities, (if applicable) during emergencies.

“On 02/07/2025 it was discussed with the provider that the Emergency Response Plan was lacking seven (7) of the nine (9) required components. It was discussed that the plan must be reviewed and revised and revisions be provided to Licensor [name] by 03/12/2025. As of 03/12/2025 no revisions had been submitted. During the visit, the Provider confirmed that no review of or revisions to the plan had been conducted. Corrective Action: Review and revise the Emergency Response Plan to include all required components. Provide revisions to Licensor [name] by 04/18/2025. Continue to work with your Licensor until such a time when the Emergency Response Plan meets compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 29, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.1.3: The FCCP shall ensure that furniture and equipment are sturdy. Furniture and equipment that present a tipping or falling hazard shall be secured.

“Two (2) top heavy shelves were observed to be unsturdy in the playroom; both holding toys and materials for children. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that the identified shelves are secured or otherwise made inaccessible to children moving forward. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that the identified shelves no longer present tipping hazards.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.1.2: The FCCP shall ensure that children are protected from choking hazards presented by cords on window coverings, electric or electronic appliances or equipment and telephone cords.

“Several loose electrical cords were observed and accessible to children including: A cord to the television in the play room, cords to the microwave and coffee maker in the kitchen, and phone charging cords on the floor in the living room. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that loose cords are secured or otherwise made inaccessible to children. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that loose cords identified have been made inaccessible to children moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 3, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials shall be inaccessible to children.

“In the bathroom several toxic materials were observed accessible to children including: a tube of neosporin, toilet bowl cleaner, a spray bottle of disinfectant, and a basket full with various perfumes/body sprays. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all poisonous or toxic materials are made inaccessible to children. Develop a system to conduct regular checks for poisonous or toxic materials moving forward and moving/securing them prior to children being present at the FCCH. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that all identified materials have been secured and include details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 3, 2025

Regulation 5.4.2.3: The FCCP and staff shall ensure that infants sleep in cribs or port-a-cribs. Infants shall not be placed to sleep on soft surfaces, such as a couch or sofa, pillow, quilts, sheepskins or blankets. Infants shall not be placed in car seats, swings, high chairs, jumping chairs or similar equipment for sleep. A child that falls asleep in this type of equipment shall be gently transferred to a crib or port-a-crib as soon as feasible.

“Upon arrival at the program Child A (ten months old) was observed napping on the couch in the living room with a blanket over their body. Corrective Action: When asked, the FCCP transferred the sleeping infant to a compliant port-a-crib. Immediately ensure that when infants are napping they are placed in cribs or port-a-cribs moving forward. If a child falls asleep anywhere else, ensure that they are transferred to a crib or port-a-crib as soon as feasible. In addition, ensure that children under twelve (12) months of age do not sleep with soft objects such as blankets as required by rule 5.4.2.5. In the corrective action email include details of how you will ensure compliance with this rule moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 25, 2025

Regulation 2.3.8.3: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCP; all individuals residing in the home; staff; and any individuals who are left alone with children have met ongoing background check requirements by submitting at least once every five (5) years a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and as required shall submit to fingerprinting.

“Upon review of BFIS records, it was identified that Household Member A had not submitted a new Record Check Authorization form upon reaching eighteen (18) years of age, nor submitted to fingerprints as discussed during a technical assistance visit on 09/26/2023. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that a Record Check Authorization form be submitted for Household Member A. Ensure that the Household Member submits to fingerprinting as required. By 03/12/2025, provide photo evidence of the fingerprint receipt to Licensor [name].”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 17, 2025

Regulation 3.6.3: Emergency preparedness Training: Within 365 days of opening a FCCH, the FCCP shall attend emergency preparedness training which shall include content specifically related to sheltering in place in the event of an emergency in which the FCCP and children present need to remain in the FCCH for an extended period.

“Upon review of BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and on-site files it was identified that this FCCP had not attended an emergency preparedness training. This requirement was discussed with the provider during a pre-registration visit conducted on 08/28/2023 and hgihlighted again via email correspondence with Licensing on 09/07/2023. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to complete an approved Emergency Preparedness training which shall include content related to sheltering in place. Approved trainings can be accessed by following this path: https://northernlightsccv.org/ > Training tab > Childcare Trainings. If you need further assistance in accessing an approved training you may reach out to the Northern Lights at CCV Resource Advisor for the area. Their contact is ammie.collins@ccv.edu. By 02/26/2025, submit evidence of the certificate of completion to Licensor [name].”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2025

Regulation 5.1.2: General Health Examinations: Within forty-five (45) days of enrollment the FCCP shall obtain documentation of the child's age appropriate well care exam from the parent. Documentation shall include information regarding any health conditions and medications that may impact the care of the child.

“Upon review of a random sampling of three (3) children's files documentation of children's well care exams were not observed. Provider statements reflected that she was unaware of this requirement and that no children's files contained such documentation. Corrective Action: Immediately notify families of this requirement to ensure that documentation of each child's age approppriate well care exam be obtained by 02/26/2025. Develop a policy regarding documentation of children's general health exams and a system to ensure that documentation is obtained within forty-five (45) days of each child's enrollment moving forward. In the corrective action email, provide the policy, evidence that documentation for each currently enrolled child has been obtained, and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 12, 2025

Regulation 5.4.1.4: Cots, mats, and mattresses shall be nonporous or have nonporous coverings. Each child shall be provided clean, individual bed linens either by the FCCP providing them or requiring parents to provide them. No child shall nap directly on nonporous coverings.

“Upon arrivla at the program two (2) children were observed napping on non-porous nap cots without sheets. Provider statements reflect that in order to store the cots easily, without individual children's bedding touching, they stopped utilizing bed sheets. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that each child is provided with individual bed linens either by the FCCP or parents. Ensure that each time children nap their cot is covered. Develop a system to store nap cots in a manner that does not allow children's bedding to touch as required by rule 5.4.1.8 moving forward. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that each child has individual bedding and the manner in which it will be stored to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 3, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The purchase receipt with the fire extinguisher was observed to reflect a purchase date of 09/25/2023. An official tag with signature was not observed. Provider statements reflected that it's operating condition had not been assessed since it was purchased. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that a fire extinguisher of required classification is present within the FCCH. By 02/26/2025 provide photo evidence to Licensor [name] that either the currently present extinguisher has been assessed by a qualified individual and bears and official tag certifying inspection, or that a new extinguisher has been purchased. Develop a system to ensure that fire extinguisher's operating condition be inspected annually moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of the system developed to maintain compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 3, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.14.2: The FCCP shall ensure that any animals or pets present at or brought into the FCCH are vaccinated as prescribed by law, with documentation maintained at the FCCH.

“During the visit, the FCCP could not locate vaccination records for their two (2) dogs. Compliant vaccination records were provided electronically on 02/10/2025. Further email correspondence from the provider on 02/10/2025 reflected that vaccinations for the second dog were not up-to-date. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that the dog without current vaccinations does not have contact with enrolled children. By 03/05/2025 provide documentation reflecting up-to-date vaccination records for the dog to Licensor [name]. Ensure that up-to-date vaccination records for animals and/or pets present at the FCCH are kept on-site moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 8, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.1.6: The FCCP shall ensure that sharp objects are kept out of children's reach unless used for a planned activity and closely supervised by an adult.

“Sharp objects were observed accessible to children including: A pair of scissors in an unlocked drawer of the kitchen, a pair of scissors on a desk in the dining room, and several empty soda cans on multiple surfaces in the living room. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that sharp objects are maintained in a manner that is inaccessible to children. In the corrective action email include details of the storage system developed to ensure children do not have free access to sharp objects.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 25, 2025

Regulation 3.3.3: The FCCP shall establish a system for taking attendance, including documentation of the time when each child arrives and departs each day he/she attends the FCCH. The FCCP shall save all daily attendance records identifying the hours of children s attendance for at least twelve (12) months from the date that care is provided.

“Upon review of the attendance record it was identified that no arrival times had been recorded for any children that day. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure that arrival and departure times of each child are recorded in the moment moving forward. Ensure that the system allows for attendance records to be maintained for at least twelve (12) months following the date of attendance. In the corrective action email include details of the system developed to ensure compliance with this rule moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 25, 2025

Regulation 7.1.3: Orientation of FCCP and New Staff The FCCP shall complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to beginning care for children. The FCCP shall ensure staff complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees shall complete the orientation training within one (1) month of their first date of working with children. The orientation training session shall include: * Basic knowledge of child growth and development; * Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; * Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; * Positive behavior management; * Supervision of children; * Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; * Safe sleep practices; * Administration of medication requirements; * Emergency and evacuation requirements; * Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; * Recordkeeping; * Transportation and child passenger safety; * Release of children; * Respectful engagement of families; * Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect, including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; * Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; * Preventing the spread of infectious disease; * Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; * Inclusion of children with special needs; * Guidelines for volunteers, trainees, and partner staff; * Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; * Background check requirements to include changes in situations, restrictions, and exceptions for those prohibited by these regulations; * Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and * Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“Upon review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and on-site files it was determined that Staff A had not completed Vermont Orientation Training. The FCCP confirmed this in an email on 02/10/2025. Corrective Action: By 02/26/2025 ensure Staff A completes Vermont Orientation Training. In the corrective action email provide evidence that Staff A has completed the training.This training is provided through Better Kid Care. Guidence to access the training can be accessed by following this path: https://northernlightsccv.org/ > Training Tab > Childcare Trainings > Vermont Orientation Training: How-To Guide. If you need further assistance in accessing the training you may reach out to the Northern Lights at CCV Resource Advisor for the area. Their contact is ammie.collins@ccv.org. Upon completion ensure the certificate of completion is sent to Northern Lights at CCV to be accurately reflected in BFIS and provide a copy to Licensor [name].”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 25, 2025

Regulation 3.3.3: The FCCP shall establish a system for taking attendance, including documentation of the time when each child arrives and departs each day he/she attends the FCCH. The FCCP shall save all daily attendance records identifying the hours of children s attendance for at least twelve (12) months from the date that care is provided.

“Attendance logs for October thru December 2023, and January and February 2024, showed days and weeks at a time in which children were not signed in or out yet identified by provider as program being open. Review of March 2024 to date of visit showed sporatically children being signed in and out. Provider stated she understands that maintaining attendance is a regulatory requirement. This rule was reviewed with provider during Pre-Registration visit conducted on 8/28/23. Corrective Action: Create a system or placement of the attendance book to ensure attendance is completed daily, and children are signed in and out at the moment the action occurs.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 8, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials shall be inaccessible to children.

“Cupboard underneath sink in bathroom identified by provider as bathroom used by children of the program, was found to contain cleaning products. Cupboard was observed to not have any type of locking mechanism on it allowing the possibility that it could be opened and accessed by children. The bathroom door itself was open and the bathroom did not have a gate in the doorway which would prevent children's access to the cupboard. This rule was reviewed with provider during Pre-Registration visit conducted on 8/28/23. Corrective Action: Immediately place a child proof lock on the cupboard or remove all chemical products and place them out of children's reach.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 19, 2024